Breaking News
Tinubu Approves Isaac Balami University, Zulum Appreciates
The Founder of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Comrade Isaac Balami, on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to the Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, at the Government House in Maiduguri, where both parties announced new scholarship opportunities for youths in the state.
Balami, who described the visit as a “homecoming,” said he returned to brief the governor on the progress of IBUAM and explore ways the institution could impact young people in Borno. He was accompanied by the university’s Vice Chancellor, board members, friends, and partners.
Speaking after the meeting, Balami said the engagement with Governor Zulum was “deeply personal,” recalling how a scholarship from the Borno State Government years ago opened doors that shaped his career in aviation.
“This visit wasn’t just official; it was personal. I returned as a son of the land with a mission shaped by memory and conviction,” Balami said. “Education changed my life, and I am driven by the responsibility to extend that same lifeline to others.”
Balami also announced fresh scholarships for indigent youths, pledging that at least 54 young people from Borno would be sponsored to study at IBUAM.
He commended Governor Zulum for what he described as sincere discussions about the future of Borno youths, saying the governor demonstrated genuine commitment to supporting young people with high potential but limited resources.
Governor Zulum, in what many residents described as a remarkable response, also approved immediate scholarship slots for 54 indigent youths to undertake degree programmes in piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related fields at the university.
Also in a statement on X and Facebook, the governor applauded Balami’s vision and assured him of the state government’s full cooperation. The governor also announced an immediate state-sponsored scholarship scheme for qualified youths to pursue degree programmes in piloting, aeronautical engineering, and related fields at IBUAM.
“The selection process will prioritise indigent youths who demonstrate academic potential but lack the financial means to pursue such expensive programmes,” Zulum said.
He directed the Commissioner for Education and the Executive Secretary of the State Scholarship Board to work directly with IBUAM to begin the selection and placement of candidates. He also warned against political interference in the process.
“I don’t want anyone close to the governor, the deputy governor, or commissioners selected. The process should be purely on merit, and I will personally vet the final list,” the governor added.
While thanking president Tinubu for approving a university instituted by his own “son”, the governor said the president has displayed his love for the nation by approving a university that will benefit all, especially young people.
Both the state government and IBUAM say the partnership will help build a new generation of aircraft engineers, pilots, and aviation technicians from Borno State.
Breaking News
Ogun State Government Announces Pension, Gratuity Backlog Clearance Between 2012 and 2020
The Ogun State Government has announced the clearance of pension and gratuity arrears owed to workers who retired between 2012 and 2020, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of retirees.
The Economic Adviser and Commissioner for Finance, Dapo Okubadejo, disclosed this on Tuesday during a media parley organised by the Ogun State Ministry of Budget and Planning.
Okubadejo explained that the backlog was linked to the Defined Benefits Scheme, under which retirees receive monthly pension payments, stressing that the present administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun has not defaulted on pension obligations since assuming office.
“Since the inception of this administration, we have not missed a single month of pension payment. What we inherited were arrears tied to the Defined Benefits Scheme,” he said.
According to him, annual pension payments rose from ₦6.7 billion in 2019 to ₦20 billion in 2025, with projections showing a possible increase to ₦40 billion by 2029.
He disclosed that the state had so far paid ₦23.3 billion in gratuities covering retirees from 2012 to 2020, alongside ₦32.8 billion in outstanding gratuities for local government retirees inherited by the administration.
Okubadejo added that between 2019 and July 2, 2025, the state disbursed ₦93.26 billion in pensions under the Defined Benefits Scheme and ₦94.78 billion to local government pensioners.
He assured that the remaining backlog would be cleared as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to improve, noting that over 300 workers who retired in July 2025 are currently receiving six-month palliatives pending the completion of their pension documentation.
The commissioner also described the newly approved Additional Pension Benefits (APB) as the first of its kind in Nigeria, adding that amendments to the state’s pension law would be pursued to formally integrate the scheme.
On the state’s fiscal outlook, Okubadejo revealed that the 2026 budget increased from ₦1.054 trillion in 2025 to ₦1.668 trillion, while Ogun’s economy expanded from ₦3.5 trillion in 2019 to ₦18.96 trillion in 2026.
He added that IGR grew from ₦50 billion in 2019 to ₦240 billion in 2025, with projections of ₦512 billion this year.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, said the 2026 budget reflects strong fiscal reforms, noting an 85 per cent budget execution rate in 2024 and sustained financial stability.
Other commissioners highlighted sectoral achievements, including massive road construction, increased healthcare funding, rail extension plans, education support programmes, and expanded housing projects across the state.
African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to focus on the country’s future and vote for a change in leadership.
Obi spoke at a meeting with Hausa/Fulani chiefs in Abuja on Wednesday.
“We have to talk about the future of our country. All of you know what is happening to our country today. That’s why we are campaigning that you vote out this government,” he said.
He described the situation in Nigeria as dire, citing insecurity, hunger and hardship.
“today we have insecurity across Nigeria. We have hunger across Nigeria. We are suffering across Nigeria. The only thing that is working in Nigeria today is bad news. Every morning you wake up is bad news,” Obi stated.
The former Labour Party presidential candidate said a new administration would prioritize social services.
“We’re urging you to vote for a change and bring a new Nigeria, where our children will be in school. Our hospitals will work,” he added.
Obi also questioned government spending priorities, particularly in the health sector.
“today, if you’re sick in Nigeria you’re praying to Almighty God because we’re now in a country where our president spends 360 billion to buy and refit his plane and spends 36 million in capital vote for the Ministry of Health. There’s nothing working,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians to use their votes to usher in what he described as a “new Nigeria” focused on improving citizens’ welfare and restoring key public services.
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